The Official Blog of the Gwinnett Braves, Triple-A Affiliate of the Atlanta Braves.

Jair Jurrjens Set To Start Game 1 of Doubleheader

Friday the Gwinnett Braves begin their five-game series with the Toledo Mudhens from Coolray Field. It was originally scheduled to be a four-game set, but a rain postponed game in Ohio last week caused the International League to create a doubleheader this week from Coolray Field since the two teams will not see each other the rest of this season…barring a playoff match-up.

The first place IL South G-Braves will host the first place IL West Mudhens in the first game of a double-dip on Friday for a 5:00 p.m. first pitch. Then, Toledo will actually become the home team for the second game on Friday night, which will begin approximately 30 minutes after the first game has concluded.

Thursday the G-Braves were on the verge of being swept by the Buffalo Bisons (20-14) before some major heroics by Stefan Gartrell and company. Gwinnett was on the verge of taking the ballgame, 3-1, in the ninth inning following a would-be game-winning two-out, two-run double by Luis Durango in the bottom of the eighth inning. However, Thursday’s closer Cory Gearrin could not stave off Buffalo as they scored twice to knot the game up once again and force extra innings. However, the G-Braves wouldn’t extend the game for long as Gartrell blasted them to victory in the 10th with a walk-off shot.

The G-Braves have now won two of their last six games, but are still resting comfortably in first place of the International League South Division at 20-13. Gwinnett does not own the best record in the league anymore after their latest skid, however they are just two games behind the IL-leading Pawtucket Red Sox (22-13).

Toledo comes into town winners of six of their last 10 games including an identical first place record as Gwinnett at 20-13. The last time these two teams met in Toledo last week, the G-Braves won all three games while the fourth was obviously postponed until tonight.

Stefan Gartrell was named the International League Batter of the Week as he continues his torrid pace. The slugger is batting over .400 in his last seven games, including five home runs, 12 RBI and an .850 slugging percentage. Gartrell rose his batting average from .165 to .216 in a matter of days.

Photo courtesy of Kyle Hess

Currently Jose Constanza is on an 11-game hit streak that he will be looking to extend in both games on Friday night. Luis Durango is also on a tear of his own this season. The speedster stole three bases in Wednesday’s game pushing his season total to 18 stolen bases in 20 attempts for the IL lead.

Toledo Mudhens (20-13, 1st IL West) vs Gwinnett (20-13, 1st IL South)

Jair Jurrjens (1-0, 1.80) will be facing the organization that originally drafted him in the form of the Detroit Tigers. The righty will be opposing Toledo southpaw Adam Wilk (2-1, 1.06) in what should be a phenomenal match-up in the first of two games from Coolray Field on Friday night.

Friday, May 11:

Game 1 – First Pitch 5:05 a.m. @ Coolray Field in Lawrenceville, GA

Game 2 – Approximately 30 minutes after first game concludes @ Coolray Field

Be sure to catch to the voice of the G-Braves Tony Schiavone as he broadcasts the game live on 550 AM, WDUN.com or 102.9 FM if you can’t make it out to the ballpark. Tickets for all Gwinnett Braves home games are on sale now at the Coolray Field Box Office. Call (678) 277-0340 or visit gwinnettbraves.com for more information.

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